The number of independent bookstores in and around Arlington speaks volumes about the people who live here. Indie bookstores often have carefully curated selections, including lesser-known authors and unique books. According to the American Booksellers Association (ABA), the number of independently-owned bookstores nationwide grew from about 1,900 in 2020 to 3,218 by 2025. These literary hubs also serve as community centers—hosting book clubs, readings by local authors and other events. Turn a new page this holiday season and shop local at these area retailers catering to book lovers.
Daydrift Books and Cafe
Chapter one is underway for this brand-new café and bookstore in National Landing, where the shelves feature a mix of staff picks, bestsellers and “under-the-radar” finds. Peruse the offerings, grab lunch or sip a latte or espresso (get 15% off your coffee with purchase of a new book on Mondays). Tuesdays bring quiet hours from 2-4 p.m. and midweek brings Wordplay Wednesdays, with puzzles, crosswords and printed Wordle. On Reviews & Brews Friday, get a free coffee when you leave a book review. You can also bring a little Daydrift to your next gathering with a catering menu that features breakfast spreads, gourmet salads and sandwich platters. 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Child’s Play Toys and Books
This children’s store and bookseller in Arlington and McLean has been keeping kids entertained and educated for more than 30 years. Owner Rita Pin Ahrens says on the store website that toys and books are the tools children use to explore the world, and should reflect and nurture families of all backgrounds. Stop in and browse the shelves to pick up birthday and holiday gifts. Or, check out their curated online book lists, organized by theme and age. You can have books delivered to your door. 4510 Cherry Hill Road, Arlington (Waverly Hills) and 6645 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
One More Page Books
Books, wine, puzzles and chocolate. Eileen McGervey’s independent bookstore in East Falls Church is celebrating its 15th anniversary in January, with all the ingredients you need for a recipe of relaxation. Find the perfect gift on the shelves of curated reads, get tips on authors you may not have heard of and make new friends when you join one of the store’s many book clubs. Upcoming events include an in-store tasting with Kingsbury Chocolates and an after-hours holiday sip and shop. Check the calendar for other happenings and author events. 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington (East Falls Church)
Kinder Haus Toys
If you bring your kids to this old-fashioned toy shop in Clarendon, be prepared to stay awhile. The large selection of children’s books includes classics such as Madeline, Caldecott winners and kid-power titles by store owner Sue Pyatt, including Call Me Madame President and her newest book, President Amanda Departs for Mars. Want books about dinosaurs? You’ll find them next to the dino toys in the dinosaur area. Like science books? Find them in the science toy area. While you’re there, grab a few stocking stuffers, Hanukkah gifts or toys to put under your Christmas tree. The toys here are powered by imagination, not batteries. 1220 N. Fillmore St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Busboys and Poets
Restaurateur and activist Andy Shallal’s DMV chainlet is a cafe, bar, bookstore and community gathering place. Stop by the Shirlington outpost for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour and peruse the shelves for literature centering on social justice, civil rights, women’ issues, LGBTQ themes and other marginalized populations. Programs ranging from poetry slams and film screenings to community conversations with artists, writers and thinkers and are intended to foster “discussion that benefits everyone.” Now celebrating its 20th year in business, Busboys operates nine bookstore cafes in the DMV. 4251 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Fonts Books & Gifts
Proprietor Amber Taylor stocks a curated selection of 5,000 titles and is happy to help you find the perfect book. Her cozy space in Chesterbrook Plaza features a children’s area with sloth wallpaper on the walls and beanbag chairs, and the merch also includes greeting cards and giftable items such as locally made candles, plushies, mugs and journals. Prefer ebooks or audiobooks? You can buy those here too, on the Fonts Books website. The store hosts a variety of book clubs, from fiction to mystery to reading groups focusing on banned books and social justice. 6262 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Doodlehopper 4 Kids
This one-stop shop in the City of Falls Church sells children’s books as well as educational toys, games and baby gifts. Locally owned and operated for 20 years, it was originally founded as a clothing store in Springfield. The Little City location at the corner of Broad Street and Maple Avenue opened in 2002. During the holidays, the shop provides free gift wrapping on as many as six items. Military service members and veterans get 10% off with a valid ID, and grandparents get 10% off on Mondays. Monthly events showcase local children’s musicians, live animal shows and magicians. 234 W. Broad St., Falls Church
READ Book Nook
Read Early And Daily (READ) launched this children’s bookshop in Ballston Quarter (it’s next to the movie theater) to help fund its mission of addressing reading inequities faced by the community’s youngest and most economically vulnerable children. The Arlington nonprofit puts free, high-quality, culturally relevant books into the hands of babies and toddlers every month, ensuring that young children have access to stories that are “mirrors and windows” into their lives and communities. Proceeds from each book purchased at the Book Nook are used to buy new books for distribution. READ also hosts children’s events such as a makers market, and a 45-minute drop-off story time. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Bards Alley
This Vienna bookshop offers a curated selection of literature and “whimsical expressions of life,” including both classic and contemporary works. (The Bard part of its name is a nod to William Shakespeare, while Alley refers to Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.) Store owner Jennifer Morrow also strives to stock her shelves with titles that reflect her clientele and the local creative community. She does this through connections with local schools and nonprofits, and by promoting local authors and artisans. Upcoming events feature local authors Laura Murray, Sophia Glock and Christina Kovac. 110 Church St. NW, Vienna